I am interested in purchasing a MCS in the near future and was hoping some of you could give me some info on your experiences with Texas dealerships. I am in the Austin area, so Mini Center in San Antonio is closest; has anyone done business with them?

Also, I'm interested in possibly adding the "Cooper Works Kit" to my Mini...has anyone driven one??? What did you think of it???:confused:

Bought from the MINI Center in San Antonio - great experience - I recommend them.

Spoke with Momentum in Houston. They seemed fine, but too far from Austin. Moritz in Dallas has a good reputation.

I did the Randy Webb (www.mini-motorsports.com)performance upgrade > Alta Pulley + EVOTech ECU + Alta intake > same performance as Works (200HP); 25% the cost (approx. $1,450 vs. $5,500). You just take a warranty risk - if anyting blows up directly related to the upgrades; I think a low risk. Check out the Pulley Meets that Randy is having around the country. Got mine done in Dallas a month or so ago. My MCS is a rocket now - with no loss of drivability! (check out the performance forum at minicooperonline.com)

Good luck

Thanks for the info on Mini Center and the upgrade...I take it the 37 extra horses make a noticeable difference? Is it worth the extra $$$?

The stock MINI Cooper S is sufficiently powered - nothing wrong with it - I was very happy.

However, the added horses make a big difference, especially in low-end torque. They make it a real sports machine.

Good luck.

MOMENTUM SUCKS! ABSOLUTELY THE WORST SERVICE EVER. I hate even buying PARTS from there. I drove halfway around the beltway during Friday rush hour only to be turned away from picking up my parts at 6:05pm because I didn't prepay for them (even though the parts guy asked me not to originally). When I was looking around the Mini dealership at first, I swear the guy thought he was selling a 7-series to a 20-something punk (that would be me). Talk about snotty.

The Mini Center in SA is EXCELLENT from what I gathered over the phone. I ended up getting mine from Moritz in Arlington. Great service as well.

As for the remainder of the Houston area, BMW North is great as well and their Mini dealership should be up and running by the end of this year (fingers crossed).

ruf, thanks for the warning...looks like Mini Center may be my best bet...

I had a good experience with the guys in San Antonio. Give Richard Gutin a call. I also live in Austin - 6,200 miles on my MCS with zero problems.

I may be a little late to the thread, but I had a great experience ordering my MCS from Moritz in Arlington. They did a great job communicating prior to order, while waiting for shipment, and after delivery.
It's a little farther to drive, but you'll love that first drive home.
Best Wishes!
Steve
MCS - BRG/BK
Hutto